Dodgers GM Ned Colletti: Trade for starting pitcher unlikely

INDIAN WELLS – The Dodgers are “probably unlikely” to trade for a starting pitcher this winter and might have to address that need in the free-agent market, General Manager Ned Colletti said.

Colletti’s assessment was based on conversations he had with other teams at the general managers’ meetings, which started Wednesday.

Asked about what he’s learned in the last 24 hours about the market for pitching, Colletti said, “I’ve done a little more trade-wise, what’s possible or impossible -- more impossible than possible.”

The Dodgers are looking to add a No. 2 or 3 pitcher to compliment ace Clayton Kershaw.

Of the pitching market in general, Colletti said, “It’s not massive. It’s probably unlikely trade-wise. There are probably three or four different pitchers we have interest in. We’ll see. It’s still fairly early in the process. But pitching is most of our concentration right now.”

The Dodgers are believed to be interested in free agent pitchers Zack Greinke, Hiroki Kuroda and Anibal Sanchez.

Colletti said the free-agent market for pitching could be slow to develop.

“As always if you’re willing to make a quick strike and pay a premium, it gets done fast,” he said. “But in most cases, they’ve waited a long time for this opportunity, so they’re going to play it in a patient way.”